Summary: Princess Zelda and young Link travel to Gerudo Town. Zelda has a productive visit. However, when they disappear on their return trip, Link rushes to the Gerudo Desert to join the search, with unexpected results.

On the morning of Princess Zelda's trip to Gerudo Town, young Link was ready and waiting by the castle entrance along with a Hyrule guard who had just brought their two horses.

"Both horses are ready, sir, groomed, fed and watered," said the soldier.

"Thank you," said Link. "We have a full day's ride today."

"I picked a strong horse for you, sir, with good stamina," said the soldier. "She should be able to keep pace with Gale here, at least up to a point. The Princess's horse is quite a fine one. If it's all right, I'll leave them with you now, sir, and return to my post."

"That's fine and thanks again," said Link taking the reins of the two horses.

While he waited for the Princess, Link Tabbed his mother and father that he loved them, was fine and was about to journey to Gerudo Town. Both parents wished him a safe trip, sent their love in return, and asked him to say hello to Urbosa.

A few minutes later, Princess Zelda and Queen Zelda emerged from the castle.

"Good morning, Link," said Queen Zelda.

"Good morning, Your Majesty, Your Highness," said Link bowing.

"Please take good care of my daughter," said Queen Zelda to Link. "But you have my permission to answer her back if she gets too snippy."

"Mother!" said Princess Zelda. "I am never snippy, and I will have you know that Link and I get along admirably."

"Remember what we discussed, enjoy your trip, and be safe sweetheart," said Queen Zelda as she hugged her daughter and kissed her. Then she waved goodbye as Link and Zelda mounted their horses and began to ride away.

"I am not snippy, am I?" said Zelda.

"Never, Princess," laughed Link. "You are always a model of politeness and consideration."

"I know I'm not that!" laughed Zelda. "But we do get along well. And being with you is hundreds of times better than with my other guards."

They planned to journey as far as Gerudo Canyon Stable today, then break their trip at Outskirt Stable for lunch and to rest the horses. Leaving the castle, they took the road west past the Sacred Grounds, then left the road and traveled across the open field.

"Now we can give our horses a bit of exercise," said Zelda as she urged her horse to a gallop and Link did the same. It was exhilarating to gallop across the grassy Hyrule Field, the wind in their faces. The weather was sunny and mild, and the ground was smooth. They finally slowed their horses to a gentle walk as they navigated around the western side of Mount Daphnes and along the eastern bank of the Regencia River.

"That was fun!" laughed Zelda. "For someone who hasn't ridden much, you certainly are doing quite well."

"Thank you," said Link. "My father did teach me some riding skills. He would take Epona out and rent a stable horse for me to ride along with him. I enjoyed it. I just like motorized cycles better."

The river was calm, and the water reflected the late morning sun. They crossed the tiny Gleeok Bridge and rejoined the road not far from Outskirt Stable. It was a full three hours from when they left before they reached the stable, dismounted, had the stable take care of their horses and then sat down to have lunch. The stable wasn't busy, and they had it practically to themselves.

"I know you offered to cook for me," said Zelda. "But Mother said I should be self-reliant in the wild."

"That's fine, Princess," said Link. "I'll wait for you to finish and then cook my food."

Zelda cooked a fruit and vegetable dish with Hylian rice, and Link cooked a fish he had with him for the trip with Hylian rice. Then they sat down together to eat.

"We made good time here," said Zelda. "The ride from here to Gerudo Canyon Stable is much longer. I hope we can reach it before nightfall."

"You've traveled there before?" said Link.

"Yes, with Mother some years ago," said Zelda. "I remember it took all day. Mother always regretted Gerudo Town was so far away, and she liked to see Lady Urbosa as often as she could. Growing up, Urbosa was like an Aunt to me. I still call her Aunt. She used to visit us at the castle when I was small. She would pick me up and hug me, and call me her beautiful desert flower. When I was a little older, she told me stories about the Gerudo and how brave they were and how beautiful the desert was. I remember she would tell my mother that I reminded her a little of my grandmother."

"It's nice you had someone like that growing up," said Link.

"Yes," said Zelda. "My real aunt hardly ever visited. Father said being at the castle made his sister uneasy. But now Urbosa is older and doesn't travel much anymore. Mother wants me to begin building relationships with the Gerudo people, including the person likely to be their next Chief, Urbosa's cousin Baleria."

"I'm sure you and Lady Urbosa will both be happy to see each other," said Link.

They ate in silence for a while. Then Zelda spoke up about what was on her mind.

"You know, there is an ulterior motive to almost everything Mother asks me to do," said Zelda. "It all has to do with preparing me for the day I will take her place. I know she doesn't talk about it openly, but it must be in the back of her mind, that worry that she won't be there to take care of Hyrule and she wants to make sure that I will be. I wonder if I will be the same with my child? Somehow, I doubt it."

"Well, our parents lived through something terrible, and we have no idea what it was like," said Link. "I'm sure that affected them. It affected my Dad. He keeps himself in shape, practicing swordsmanship and archery whenever he can. He says you never know what will happen and the price of being unprepared is defeat. He's the only one of us who lived through a defeat of Hyrule and knows what that was like. And you have to admit he's right. Remember the Yiga Clan attack and that underwater creature that showed up unexpectedly?"

"I suppose you're right," said Zelda. "You and I are privileged, growing up in a largely peaceful Hyrule. All our lives monsters, other than the little nuisance ones, have been gone and live on only in stories. We were only 5 when the Yiga Clan was finished off and 12 or so when Ganon's phantom creature was destroyed. Well, we had better get started."

They retrieved their horses and were underway, and the rest of the trip would follow the road. They crossed the long Digdogg Suspension Bridge which spanned the Regencia River at its widest point and then passed into the Gerudo Canyon. The road wound between sandstone cliffs, and the main danger now was falling rocks and possible Electric Chuchus. Link kept scanning the cliffs for any falling rocks and had to pull up his and Zelda's horse at one point as a boulder tumbled close by across their path.

"Thank you. I'm glad one of us is looking out for danger," said Zelda as she watched the heavy round stone coming to rest.

As they neared their destination scaffolding used in the search and excavation of Naboris lined the cliffs and orange lights marked the path in places.

"This is my first time here," said Link as they trotted along the Gerudo Canyon road together. "My Dad used to say he thought the desert was beautiful. My older sister told me my Mom even used to tease him about it sometimes, but he would always tell her that, of course, he loved water best. I'm not sure I could ever get used to living with all the dryness."

"It is a harsh area, and I agree with you," said Zelda. "I prefer green forests, rivers, and lakes. But Mother also told me that the desert does have a unique beauty all its own. She said the stars never shine so brightly as in the desert night, and the desert can be peaceful as well as harsh. Anyway, perhaps we should pick up the pace. We should try to reach the stable before we see too many stars ourselves."

They urged their horses forward, and it was five hours from when they left Outskirt Stable and early evening when the welcome lights of Gerudo Canyon Stable came into view. Both were tired after the long day's ride. Link took care of arranging for the horses to be boarded until the return journey. The proprietor was expecting them, and was most gracious and accommodating, making sure everything was to the Princess's satisfaction. After a light supper, they both fell asleep.

The next morning was a typical hot desert day. Link woke up first, had a quick breakfast, and then wandered around the nearby area, noting a pool of water nearby. He knew Zelda would Tab him when she was ready. When she did so, he joined her near the cooking pot while she ate breakfast.

Link had slept quite soundly, but Princess Zelda's sleep was troubled. She discussed it with Link over breakfast.

"You slept well?" said Zelda.

"Like a clam," said Link. "And you, Princess?"

"I had a strange dream. Mother told me when I was growing up that dreams are one way the Goddess sometimes chooses to communicate with her servants, like her, or your father, or me for that matter," said Zelda. "I remember I was only nine years old when I had that terrible dream about that evil creature that turned out to be Vera."

"Do you want to talk about it?" said Link.

"Perhaps I should," said Zelda. "I was in the dream, but more as an observer, an onlooker watching events from a cliff. I had no interaction with anyone. There were seven Gerudo assembled and an eighth one standing nearby. They were warriors carrying swords, but all seemed more than simply warriors, there was something spiritual and powerful about them. Six of the seven were facing the seventh and speaking to her. It was all in Gerudo, and I could not understand their words, but the tone seemed like an angry one. The seventh seemed remorseful at first, hanging her head, but as the conversation continued, she began to grow arrogant and answered back. Then she finally turned her back on the six of them and left. Then one of the six remaining warriors beckoned the one who had been standing nearby. She joined them, and they welcomed her as one of them, apparently replacing the one who had left. Then the seven of them turned to stare off in the direction the eighth had gone, and it was then my dream ended. The fact it had Gerudo in it seemed important, given where we are. But I have no idea what it can mean."

"Nor do I, I'm afraid," said Link. "Perhaps Lady Urbosa can shed some light on what it might mean and help you to understand it."

"Speaking of which, we had best be off before it gets too hot," said Zelda. "Urbosa agreed to meet us at the Kara Kara Bazaar so she could see you. Then I will accompany her back to Gerudo Town, and you can wait at the bazaar."

"Shouldn't I come with you?" said Link.

"There's no need," said Zelda. "Urbosa will make sure I am well guarded, and what's the danger now anyway?"

They would be making the rest of the trip on foot, though a Sand Seal would have been faster and more fun if they had one. The walk to the Kara Kara Bazaar took about an hour, and when they reached it, they could see Urbosa seated by two guards. She stood up and waved, and they came over.

"Well, this is certainly a treat for me," said Urbosa as she and Zelda hugged. "My little desert flower had bloomed."

"Hello, Aunt Urbosa," said Zelda as they embraced. "It's so good to see you again."

Then they released each other and Urbosa turned to Link.

"And I never thought I would live to see the day Link's son would be traveling with the Princess Of Hyrule," laughed Urbosa. "Welcome, Link, you have also grown into an accomplished looking young man. Come, let us all sit down and talk. I have some refreshment for you as well."

They sat down on a large rug together and helped themselves to drinks. Urbosa was getting old, but like Link's father, had kept herself in shape. Only the wrinkles gave away her age.

"I wanted to meet you both here," said Urbosa. "After a short while to rest you and I, Zelda, can continue to Gerudo Town and meet the people you wish. Young Link will need to wait here."

"Thank you," said Zelda. "It was nice of you to come out to see us."

"I would never pass up the chance to see the daughter and son of two of my favorite people," said Urbosa. "Your parents are well, Zelda?"

"Yes, both of them are fine," said Zelda. "Except that Mother always seems worried I won't grow up fast enough."

"Well, you must make some allowance for her," said Urbosa. "She loves you very much, sweetheart, and she loves Hyrule too. She wants to make sure both survive, no matter what. And Link, what of your parents? They both looked so young at the twenty-fifth-anniversary celebration, your mother naturally and your father thanks to that rune he used."

"Both fine, Lady Urbosa," said Link. "I Tab them every day. They said to say hello."

"I hate to start sounding like one of those sentimental old fools, but seeing you two together like this takes me back almost thirty years," said Urbosa. "If I close my eyes, I can see your mother and your father together, much like you two are today."

"There was something I wanted to ask you about, Aunt Urbosa," said Zelda. "I had a strange dream last night, and I wonder if perhaps you could help me to understand it."

Zelda explained her dream to Urbosa.

"That is very interesting," said Urbosa. "As you may know, we worship seven heroines, great Gerudo leaders of old whom we believe became sages who can hear our prayers and aid us. As I think you know, we Gerudo believe in ancestor worship. There is a sacred place north of here where statues of the seven heroines reside, and people sometimes go there on a pilgrimage seeking their blessing."

"But what of the eighth one?" said Zelda.

"I was getting to that," said Urbosa. "Legend says there were seven original heroines, but one turned to black magic or evil in some way. Her story is not known, erased from our history but forgotten now in any case. It is said another heroine took her place. The statue of the eighth heroine was relocated to the mountains far to the north. For a time, some believed that all eight heroines were worthy of worship. One of our old temples in the north, the location the Yiga Clan occupied and rebuilt, contains statues of all eight heroines. But the eighth heroine doubtless has few if any worshipers today. Your dream seems to be symbolic of when the others banished the eighth heroine and replaced her."

"But what could it mean?" said Zelda.

"That I cannot say," said Urbosa. "I agree it is a strange dream, and particularly since you were not familiar with some of it. Well, we should be on our way. Link, I hope you can pass the time here comfortably. I will have your Princess safely escorted back here before dark."

"Shouldn't I at least travel with you to the walls of Gerudo Town?" said Link.

"There's no need," said Zelda. "I'll be fine. I'll see you in time for dinner."

And with that Urbosa, two Gerudo guards, and Zelda left for Gerudo Town.

Link wandered around the bazaar and noticed a branch of the Starlight Memories jewelry store. That reminded him of something he wanted to ask his father. He pulled out his Tab and composed a message.

LinkJr TO Link: Dad, I am well and at Kara Kara Bazaar. Had strange run-in at the jewelry store in Castle Town this past weekend. Think they thought I was you.

Link TO LinkJr: Glad all is well. Sorry, the Gerudo salesperson there has some issues. Have had difficulty with her when I visited with Mila and when Mom was a Hylian. Just ignore her. Can explain more thoroughly next time you're home.

There was not much to see or do here, and after walking around the pool of water twice and taking some pictures, he sat down to rest against a tree. It was getting hot, and the shade of the palm tree brought some relief. After several minutes, he must have fallen asleep. The next thing he knew Zelda was calling him.

"Link, wake up!" said Zelda.

Link jumped to his feet and rubbed his eyes. Zelda was there smiling at him.

"I'm sorry," said Link.

"No need to apologize," said Zelda. "It was probably pretty boring for you here by yourself. But I had some good meetings. Shall we have dinner here and stay the night? I think the inn here is nicer than the stable."

"Whatever you prefer, Princess," said Link. "I'll make the arrangements."

"And if you trust me," said Zelda. "I will make our dinner."

Link had no trouble securing sleeping berths, and Zelda purchased some meat from one of the vendors, then some mushrooms from another. She cooked their meals, and they sat down by a palm tree to eat.

"I've been thinking more about the dream," said Zelda as they ate. "It may be a warning of some sort. I think tomorrow morning we should take a short detour and visit the site of the seven heroine statues. Urbosa was explaining it was not too far out of our way and quite safe."

"That should be interesting," said Link. "I look forward to seeing it."

After dinner, they took a short stroll together around the bazaar then retired for the night.

Next morning after breakfast, a Gerudo guard arrived with two Sand Seals. Zelda had arranged for them.

"This should be fun!" said Zelda. "I'll race you. And don't let me win out of politeness."

"You're on," laughed Link. "And don't worry!"

They raced to the southeast across the Palu Wasteland, and Link did win, as he was more aggressive urging his Sand Seal on, and Zelda dropped her reins once and lost time picking them back up.

"Well, here we are," said Zelda finally as they approached the circular enclosure that housed the seven gigantic statues.

They had the spot to themselves, and the surrounding cliffs sheltered this area, giving it a sense of peacefulness and reverence. They walked from statue to statue, shielding their eyes as they gazed up at them.

"Building these statues must have been no small task," said Zelda. "I have never seen statues as grand as these."

"They are very impressive," said Link. "But no one seems to know much about who they represent. It is a shame that their history has been lost."

"Yes," said Zelda as they continued to walk to the various statues. "But they wear different symbols. That must mean something."

And so they walked from statue to statue, pausing to look at each one.

"Well, we should be going before it gets too hot," said Zelda. "Taking Sand Seals back to the stable should make things go quickly. How about a rematch? I promise I'll do better this time."

They began walking back to the entrance near where they left their Sand Seals when suddenly the sand shifted before them, they felt the ground beneath their feet giving way, and both screamed as they slid into a hole in the sand which closed behind them.

They landed softly on a layer of sand below, unhurt, but in complete darkness.

"Are you all right, Princess?" said Link as he jumped up and took out his Tab to send a message.

There was no signal, however, but the light function worked. He shone it around, and they were in some small empty underground chamber.

"I'm fine, and you," said Zelda as she stood up, brushing off some sand.

"Fine," said Link. "But we need to find our way out of here. Our Tabs don't seem to work. There's no signal."